Come Hot (Club Silken #2) - Jerrie Alexander

Prologue

Kayla

The soft click of the exit door closing behind me reminds me the weekly sessions with Dr. Meeks are over. For almost five months, I’ve regurgitated every detail of my past and present. We’ve dug into and explored places in my mind my subconscious had long ago buried.

Today is the first time my insides don’t feel like they’ve been strung out and picked apart by hungry wolves. I should be happy to shed daylight on the secrets I used to hide.

What I am is scared of the future.

I give my parking ticket to the valet, take my phone from my purse, and stare at it. There are two people I need to reach out to, but I’m not sure how to start either conversation. I’m determined to repair my friendships with Chels Coffman and Morgan Kimball or at least try. Truth be told, I miss them. How will I be received? Will they talk to me? Want to see me?

My car rolls up and stops. The valet exits, holding the door for me. I tip him and drive away. Breathing becomes easier because I’m in heavy Chicago traffic and temporarily relieved from worrying.

Last year at this time, I could’ve knocked on either of their doors and been welcome. Now my hope is they don’t turn away from me.

Chels and Morgan were my best friends and coworkers before I bolted from Club Silken and disappeared.

1

Kayla

The parking lot at the apartment complex looks the same, well, except there’s a vehicle under the carport in slot four-eighty-three. It used to be mine. I park in one of the visitor’s spots, turn the key, and sit in silence.

Wednesday used to be Chinese-food night for Morgan, Chelsea, and me. We all lived in the same complex so getting together was easy. We’d order in and eat ourselves into a state of bliss. Morgan might be living with Zack Pierce, and it’s possible Chels has moved, but I have to take a chance.

I get out of my car, stuff the keys in my purse, and start down the sidewalk. My heart is pounding, my palms are sweating, and my nerves are just about fried. A high-pitched squeal startles the crap out of me. I look toward the sound.

“Kayla Jean Britton,” Chels cries out. “Oh. My. God. It’s really you.”

My heart hurts as I brace myself to catch the woman running toward me. She doesn’t slow down until her arms are wrapped around me. We stumble but, together, we regain our footing. Tears flood my eyes and run down my cheeks in little rivers. I’m so relieved at my reception my knees are weak and there’s a knot in my throat.

“Thank, God. We’ve been so worried about you.”

“I’m sorry,” I manage to say. I hold her away from me so I can look at her. “It’s so good to see you.”

She takes my hand and gives me her stern expression, which makes me smile. “Well, you’re not getting away from me. Come on. It’s Wednesday and we’re ordering Chinese, opening a bottle of wine, and then you’re telling me what the hell happened to make you rush home. Club Silken isn’t open on Wednesdays and I’ll bet Morgan’s free tonight.”

“How is she?”

“She and Zack Pierce are engaged and she’s beyond happy.”

“I’m glad. I hate that I embarrassed her.”

“Why would you think that?”

“She asked Zack to invite me to his BDSM club and right in the middle of the evening I just left.”

“She’s not upset about that. After you called me, I told her you had to rush home to Arkansas. Is she worried about you? Hell yes. After that one phone call you never returned any of our calls or messages.”

“I’m sorry.” Guilt rushes me. I shouldn’t have doubted she’d meet me with open arms. “That was thoughtless of me, but I just wasn’t ready to answer questions.”

“I understand. Morgan will too. Let’s call her.”

I stop in my tracks. I’m not sure I’m ready for a full-blown girls’ night. “Please, don’t.” I take a deep breath. “I’d like to spend a few hours with you.”

Chels’s eyes are full of questions, but she smiles. “Whatever you want.”

“I’ll reach out to Morgan tomorrow.”

“I hope you do. She waited a while for you to return before planning her wedding, but Zack wants to start their honeymoon while the temperature is just right on whatever island they’re staying on for a month.”

“I wish they hadn’t waited for me.” My stomach clenches.

Chels loops her arm in mine and hangs on while we get